View source for 2001 Arkansas Razorbacks football team

{{short description|American college football season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}}
{{Infobox NCAA team season
  |year=2001
  |team= Arkansas Razorbacks
  |image=
  |conference=Southeastern Conference
  |division=Western Division
  |short_conf=SEC
  |record=7–5
  |conf_record=4–4
  |CoachRank=
  |APRank=
  |head_coach=[[Houston Nutt]]
  |hc_year=4th
  |off_scheme= [[I formation]]
  |def_coach= [[John Thompson (American football coach)|John Thompson]]
  |dc_year=2nd
  |def_scheme= Multiple
  |stadium = [[Razorback Stadium]]<br>[[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]]
  |champion= 
  |bowl= [[2002 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]]
  |bowl_result= L 3–10 vs. [[2001 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma]]
}}
{{2001 SEC football standings}}
The '''2001 Arkansas Razorbacks football team''' represented the [[University of Arkansas]] in the [[2001 NCAA Division I-A football season]]. The Razorbacks played five home games at [[Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium]] in [[Fayetteville, Arkansas]] and two home games at [[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]] in [[Little Rock, Arkansas]]. The Razorbacks reached the [[2002 Cotton Bowl Classic]] in [[Houston Nutt]]'s fourth season as head coach.

==Schedule==
{{CFB schedule
| rankyear = 2001
| poll = AP
| timezone = Central

|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = August 30
| time = 6:30&nbsp;pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| opponent = [[2001 UNLV Rebels football team|UNLV]]
| site_stadium = [[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock, AR]]
| tv = [[ESPN]]
| score = 14–10
| attend = 52,213
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 8
| time = 8:00&nbsp;pm
| w/l = l
| opponent = [[2001 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee]]
| opprank = 8
| site_stadium = [[Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Fayetteville, Arkansas|Fayetteville, AR]]
| tv = [[ESPN2]]
| score = 3–13
| attend = 70,470
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 22
| time = 2:30&nbsp;pm
| w/l = l
| away = y
| opponent = [[2001 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]]
| site_stadium = [[Bryant–Denny Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa, AL]]
| tv = [[SEC on CBS|CBS]]
| score = 10–31
| attend = 83,818
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = September 29
| time = 5:30&nbsp;pm
| w/l = l
| away = y
| opponent = [[2001 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]]
| site_stadium = [[Sanford Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Athens, Georgia|Athens, GA]]
| tv = ESPN2
| score = 23–34
| attend = 86,520
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 6
| time = 6:00&nbsp;pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| homecoming = y
| opponent = {{cfb link|year=2001|team=Weber State Wildcats|title=Weber State}}
| site_stadium = Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR
| tv = 
| score = 42–19
| attend = 52,683
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 13
| time = 2:30&nbsp;pm
| w/l = w
| opponent = [[2001 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]]
| opprank = 9
| site_stadium = War Memorial Stadium
| site_cityst = Little Rock, AR
| tv = CBS
| score = 10–7
| attend = 53,514
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = October 27
| time = 11:30&nbsp;am
| w/l = w
| opponent = [[2001 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn]]
| opprank = 17
| site_stadium = Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR
| tv = [[Jefferson Pilot Sports|JPS]]
| score = 42–17
| attend = 67,213
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 3
| time = 6:00&nbsp;pm
| w/l = w
| away = y
| opponent = [[2001 Ole Miss Rebels football team|Ole Miss]]
| site_stadium = [[Vaught–Hemingway Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Oxford, Mississippi|Oxford, MS]]
| gamename = [[Arkansas–Ole Miss football rivalry|rivalry]]
| tv = ESPN2
| score = [[2001 Arkansas vs. Ole Miss football game|58–56]]
| overtime = 7OT
| attend = 47,464
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 10
| time = 1:00&nbsp;pm
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| opponent = [[2001 UCF Golden Knights football team|UCF]]
| site_stadium = Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR
| tv = 
| score = 27–20
| attend = 61,527
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 17
| time = 1:00&nbsp;pm
| w/l = w
| opponent = [[2001 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team|Mississippi State]]
| site_stadium = Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR
| tv = 
| score = 24–21
| attend = 67,314
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = November 23
| time = 1:30&nbsp;pm
| w/l = l
| away = y
| rank = 24
| opponent = [[2001 LSU Tigers football team|LSU]]
| site_stadium = [[Tiger Stadium (LSU)|Tiger Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge, LA]]
| gamename = [[Arkansas–LSU football rivalry|rivalry]]
| tv = CBS
| score = 38–41
| attend = 89,560
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
| date = January 1
| time = 10:00&nbsp;am
| w/l = l
| nonconf = y
| neutral = y
| rank = 
| opponent = [[2001 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma]]
| opprank = 10
| site_stadium = [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]]
| site_cityst = [[Dallas|Dallas, TX]]
| gamename = [[2002 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl Classic]]
| tv = [[Fox Sports (USA)|FOX]]
| score = 3–10
| attend = 72,955
}}
}}
<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223319/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&KEY=&Q_SEASON=2001 2001 Arkansas Razorbacks Football Schedule/Results]</ref>

==Game summaries==
===UNLV===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Rebels
|R1=3
|R2=7
|R3=0
|R4=0
|Home='''Razorbacks'''
|H1=0
|H2=0
|H3=7
|H4=7
}}

With 18 seconds to play, the Razorbacks grabbed their first win of the year from the [[UNLV Rebels]].<ref name="unlv">Anderson, Mark (August 31, 2001) [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-1992972_ITM Arkansas 14, UNLV 10: One that got away] ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]''. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> [[Running back]] [[Cedric Cobbs]] ran in from one yard away to give the Hogs a 14–10 win. Arkansas had only 114 total yards, 49 of those coming on the final scoring drive, as Cobbs had 29 yards on 13 carries.<ref name="ark1">"Hogs Earn Final Minute Victory over Rebels." August 29, 2001.[http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183085 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718222000/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183085 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Four Razorback [[Quarterback|QBs]] played. Lawrence Richardson returned an interception for a touchdown for the other Razorback touchdown.<ref name="ark1" /> 
{{Clear}}

===Tennessee===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road='''#8 Volunteers'''
|R1=0
|R2=0
|R3=0
|R4=13
|Home=Razorbacks
|H1=3
|H2=0
|H3=0
|H4=0
}}

In a game delayed twice due to lightning, in front of a record crowd in the newly expanded [[Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium]], the Razorbacks had a 3–0 lead until the fourth quarter, when Tennessee roared back for 13 points and the win.<ref name="ark2">"Fourth-quarter Rally leads to 13–3 Vols Win." September 8, 2001. [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183094 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718222651/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183094 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> [[Cedric Cobbs]] broke the thousand yard milestone with a forty-yard dash, setting up the only Razorback points of the contest, a 24-yard Brennan O'Donohoe field goal.<ref name="ark2" /> The Hogs would gain −3 yards offensively from that point, and Tennessee would not score until a 33-yard field goal with 9:44 to play. An Arkansas punt and seven Volunteer plays later produced another field goal, giving Tennessee a 6–3 lead.<ref name="ark2" /> [[Travis Stephens]] of Tennessee would later spin in from three yards out, producing the first and final touchdown in the final minute.<ref name="ark2" /> Freshman Stevens would have 206 yards, leading #8 Tennessee to a win.<ref>"Tennessee vs. Arkansas." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101251/101251421.htm Box Score and Summary.] [[USA Today]]. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref>

===Alabama===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Razorbacks
|R1=3
|R2=7
|R3=0
|R4=0
|Home='''Crimson Tide'''
|H1=7
|H2=7
|H3=10
|H4=7
}}

Alabama scored 21 points from three Arkansas miscues, and defeated the Razorbacks 31–10.<ref name="ala">"Arkansas at. Alabama." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101265/101265377.htm Box Score, Stats, and Game Summary.] USA Today. Sep 22, 2001. Retrieved on August 11, 2008.</ref> A 42-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Tide defender Reggie Myles, coupled with a Thurman Ward interception returned for a 60-yard touchdown gave the Tide a win despite being outgained (315–249) and losing the time-of-possession battle (35:28–24:32).<ref name="ark3">"Tide Turns Turnovers into 31–10 Victory Over Hogs." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183106 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718222737/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183106 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 11, 2008.</ref>

Ryan Sorahan, who had to leave the game due to a back injury, was 14 of 19 for 139 yards. Zak Clark and later [[Tarvaris Jackson]] (who would later transfer to [[Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University|Alabama A&M]] and later play for the [[Minnesota Vikings]]) would spell him.<ref name="ala" /><ref name="ark3" />

===Georgia===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Razorbacks
|R1=10
|R2=3
|R3=7
|R4=3
|Home='''Bulldogs'''
|H1=10
|H2=10
|H3=7
|H4=7
}}

Georgia [[Quarterback|QB]] [[David Greene (American football)|David Greene]] finished two yards short of 300 and [[Running back|RB]] [[Musa Smith]] finished five yards shy of 100 as Georgia handed Arkansas its third straight SEC loss.<ref name="uga">"Arkansas at Georgia." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101272/101272401.htm Box Score, Stats, and Game Summary.] USA Today. Sep 29, 2001. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref> Back-up Hog QB Zak Clark started the game [[Sanford Stadium|between the Hedges]] for the injured Sorahan, and RB Brandon Holmes left the game after spraining his left shoulder.<ref name="ark4">"Georgia Outduels Arkansas in Southeastern Conference Gridiron Battle." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183112 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718222853/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183112 |date=July 18, 2011 }} September 29, 2001. arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref>

The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a 2-yard Verron Hayes run, countered by the Hogs with a Holmes TD run.<ref name="ark4" /> The SEC foes then swapped field goals, before Greene hooked up with [[Terrence Edwards]] for a seven-yard TD strike.<ref name="uga" /> After another field goal by each squad, Georgia took a 20–13 halftime lead.<ref name="ark4" /> In the third quarter, Razorback Marvin Jackson returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown, the first since 1992, but Georgia's Musa Smith responded by diving two yards for a score.<ref name="uga" /> After a third Razorback field goal by O'Donohoe, the Dogs put the game away with a four TD pass from Greene.<ref name="ark4" />

===Weber State===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Wildcats
|R1=0
|R2=0
|R3=7
|R4=12
|Home='''Razorbacks'''
|H1=14
|H2=7
|H3=14
|H4=7
}}

Lawrence Richardson returned the game's opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, and the Hogs never looked back in their 42–19 win against the Wildcats of Weber State.<ref name="ark5">"Arkansas Rolls Over Weber State 42–19." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183121 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718222909/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183121 |date=July 18, 2011 }} October 5, 2001. arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref> Razorback running back Brandon Holmes added another score from one yard out to make it a 14–0 Hog lead.<ref name="weberst">"Weber St. at Arkansas." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101279/101279419.htm Box Score, Stats, and Game Summary.] USA Today. Oct 26, 2001. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref> In the second quarter, George Wilson hauled in a 33-yard strike to push the lead to 21–0.<ref name="weberst" /> To open the second half scoring, Hog RB Fred Talley sprinted 35 yards to the end zone, and after a Weber State score, Razorback Decori Birmingham added a ten-yard touchdown scamper, making the score 35–7.<ref name="ark5" /> The Wildcats connected on a 17-yard TD pass, but missed the extra point, making it a 35–13 Arkansas lead. [[Matt Jones (wide receiver)|Matt Jones]] then electrified the homecoming crowd with a 59-yard touchdown run to cap the Arkansas scoring at 42–13.<ref name="weberst" /> Weber State would add another score with less than a minute remaining, but Arkansas would take a 42–19 final.<ref name="ark5" />

===South Carolina===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=#9 Gamecocks
|R1=0
|R2=0
|R3=7
|R4=0
|Home='''Razorbacks'''
|H1=3
|H2=0
|H3=7
|H4=0
}}
Arkansas upset the ninth-ranked Gamecocks in [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], giving the Hogs their first SEC win. Carlos Hall blocked a game-tying field goal attempt with less than a minute to play to preserve the victory.<ref name="ark6">"Hogs Upset No. 9 South Carolina 10–7; Carlos Hall's Block Preserves Victory." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183126 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718222951/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183126 |date=July 18, 2011 }} October 12, 2001. arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref>

Neither team penetrated the endzone in the first half, with the only scoring being a first quarter Brennan O'Donohoe field goal for the Razorbacks.<ref name="usc">"#9 South Carolina at Arkansas." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101286/101286378.htm Box Score, Stats, and Game Summary.] USA Today. Oct 13, 2001. Retrieved on August 12, 2008.</ref> Coming out of halftime, the Gamecocks used a reverse on a kick return to start their lone scoring drive.<ref name="ark6" /> Back-up QB Corey Jenkins would finish the drive with a 41-yard scramble into the endzone.<ref name="usc" /> Arkansas responded on the next possession with a Zak Clark to Richard Smith 10-yard TD pass, giving the Razorbacks a 10–7 lead.<ref name="ark6" /> With 6:23 left to play, the Gamecocks drove and set up a game-tying field goal.<ref name="usc" /> 
South Carolina Kicker Daniel Weaver kicked the ball, and Razorback Carlos Hall leapt and deflected the kick with both hands, giving the Gamecocks their first loss and the Hogs the 10–7 win.<ref name="ark6" />

With the win, the Razorbacks moved to 11–0 in Little Rock under Nutt.<ref name="ark6" /><ref name="usc" />

===Auburn===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=#17 Tigers
|R1=3
|R2=7
|R3=7
|R4=0
|Home='''Razorbacks'''
|H1=7
|H2=14
|H3=0
|H4=21
}}

Freshman [[Matt Jones (wide receiver)|Matt Jones]] scored two touchdowns, including a passing TD on his first collegiate pass, as Arkansas defeated Auburn 42–17.<ref name="aub">"Auburn vs. Arkansas." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101300/101300418.htm Box Score, Stats, and Game Summary.] USA Today. Oct 27, 2001. Retrieved on August 13, 2008.</ref> Arkansas took advantage of Auburn miscues, including eleven penalties and three turnovers.<ref name="ark7">"Arkansas Beats No. 17 Auburn 42–17; Hogs Improve to 4–3." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183136 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223006/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183136 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. October 26, 2001. Retrieved on August 13, 2008.</ref> [[Tony Bua]] intercepted a pass with thirty seconds before halftime, which resulted in a 16-yard touchdown pass as the half came to a close.<ref name="aub" /> Jermaine Petty capped the Arkansas scoring with an 88-yard interception returned for a touchdown.<ref name="ark7" />

===Ole Miss===
{{Main|2001 Arkansas vs. Ole Miss football game|Arkansas–Ole Miss football rivalry}}
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road='''Razorbacks'''
|R1=0
|R2=7
|R3=3
|R4=7
|R5=7
|R6=0
|R7=6
|R8=6
|R9=6
|R10=8
|R11=8
|Home=Rebels
|H1=7
|H2=0
|H3=3
|H4=7
|H5=7
|H6=0
|H7=6
|H8=6
|H9=6
|H10=8
|H11=6
}}

The marathon game featured 114 points, 988 offensive yards, four 100-yard rushers, and seven overtimes, with Arkansas prevailing 58–56.<ref name="um">"Arkansas vs. Ole Miss." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101307/101307402.htm Box Score, Stats, and Game Summary.] USA Today. Nov 3, 2001. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.</ref><ref>"2001 SEC Football Standings." [http://www.secsports.com/fbo/fbc/01stand.html 2001 SEC Scores.] [[Southeastern Conference|SECsports.com]]. Dec 13, 2001. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.</ref> The game started slowly, however, with a 7–7 tie going into halftime. Arkansas completed a field goal attempt in the third quarter, giving the Hogs a 10–7 edge.<ref name="ark8">"Arkansas Downs Ole Miss 58–56 in Seven Overtimes." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183141 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223031/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183141 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. November 3, 2001. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.</ref> A tying 32-yard field goal attempt was then set up by [[Eli Manning]].<ref name="ark8" /> Razorback fullback Mark Pierce ran in from one yard away to take a 17–10 Arkansas lead in the fourth quarter, but Eli Manning connected with Jamie Armstead to send the game into overtime.<ref name="um" />

Razorback RB [[Cedric Cobbs]] scored from 16 yards out to start the overtime scoring.<ref name="ark8" /> Eli Manning responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass, sending the game to a second overtime, in which neither team would score.<ref name="um" /> [[Matt Jones (wide receiver)|Matt Jones]] scrambled all 25 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, but the two point run failed.<ref name="ark8" /> Ole Miss drove to the one-yard line, where Joe Gunn ran in.<ref name="um" /> Given a chance to end the game by completing the two-point conversion, [[Eli Manning]] threw the ball, but it was incomplete, sending the game to its fourth extra frame.<ref name="ark8" /> Rebel receiver Bill Flowers hauled in a 21-yard pass from Manning to take the lead, 30–24.<ref name="um" /> After the Rebels failed the two point pass, Jones threw a 24-yard TD pass to [[George Wilson (safety)|George Wilson]].<ref name="ark8" /> The Hogs would fail the two point run, extending the game to a fifth overtime.<ref name="um" /> Jones again scored for the Razorbacks, an 8-yard rush, but failed the two-point conversion.<ref name="ark8" /> Manning hit his [[tight end]] Doug Zeigler from twelve yards out, and failed the two point pass.<ref name="um" /> In the sixth overtime, Zeigler again caught a Manning aerial, and Ole Miss connected on the two-point conversion with a [[Charles Stackhouse]] rush, taking a 50–42 lead.<ref name="ark8" /> Razorback Pierce ran in from two yards out, and Arkansas completed the tying two-point conversion on a Jones pass.<ref name="um" /> The game would go to a seventh overtime.<ref name="ark8" />

Mark Pierce again ran in for a two-yard touchdown (his third two-yard score of the game), and Decori Birmingham would receive the two point pass from Jones, making it a 58–50 Hog lead.<ref name="ark8" /> Manning would throw his sixth touchdown pass, but the two point pass to Doug Ziegler was stopped by Jermaine Petty, giving Arkansas a 58–56 win over [[Arkansas-Ole Miss rivalry|rival]] Ole Miss.<ref name="um" />

The two teams combined for 60 first downs, 130 rushing attempts (80 from the Razorbacks), 68 pass attempts, and 198 total offensive plays, while limiting mistakes, including two fumbles, eight penalties, and one sack.<ref name="um" /><ref name="ark8" />

The win moved Arkansas to 5–3 on the year and 3–0 in overtime.<ref name="um" /> Arkansas would play [[2003 Arkansas vs. Kentucky football game|another seven-overtime game]], in 2003.

===UCF===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Golden Knights
|R1=7
|R2=3
|R3=0
|R4=10
|Home='''Razorbacks'''
|H1=3
|H2=7
|H3=14
|H4=3
}}

Arkansas RB [[Fred Talley]] ran for 198 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown, as Arkansas fought off a late rally to beat UCF, 27–20.<ref>"Central Florida vs. Arkansas." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101314/101314342.htm Game Story and Box Score.] USA Today. Nov 10, 2001. Retrieved on August 22, 2008.</ref> The Knights scored on a 52-yard pass with three minutes to play, but fell short on their final drive.<ref>"Hogs Hold Off Central Florida 27–20; Talley Runs for 189 Yards." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183150 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223056/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183150 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. November 9, 2001. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.</ref> Arkansas QB Zak Clark completed nine of fourteen passes, and Arkansas improved to 6–3 on the year.

===Mississippi State===
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Bulldogs
|R1=0
|R2=7
|R3=0
|R4=14
|Home='''Razorbacks'''
|H1=7
|H2=0
|H3=10
|H4=7
}}

Arkansas' [[Cedric Cobbs]] ran in from fifteen yards out with 47 seconds on the clock to beat the [[Mississippi State Bulldogs|Bulldogs of Mississippi State]], 24–21.<ref name="ark10">"Arkansas Rallies Past Mississippi State 24–21; Cedric Cobbs Scores Three TD's on the Day." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183155 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223119/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183155 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. November 16, 2001. Retrieved on August 23, 2008.</ref> Cobbs scored three total TD's, [[Matt Jones (wide receiver)|Jones]] rushed for 131 yards, and Arkansas moved to 4–3 in conference play and 7–3 overall.<ref name="msu">"Mississippi State vs. Arkansas." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101321/101321418.htm Game Story and Box Score.] USA Today. Nov 17, 2001. Retrieved on August 22, 2008.</ref>

Cobbs started off the scoring with a 5-yard rushing TD in the first quarter, giving Arkansas an early 7–0 lead.<ref name="ark10" /> Josh Morgan of Mississippi State scooped up a fumble and scored in the second quarter, tying the game at 7–7.<ref name="msu" /> In the third quarter Hog kicker Brennan O'Donohoe kicked a 19-yard field goal, followed by a Cobbs TD run, producing a 17–7 Razorback edge.<ref name="ark10" /> Bulldog QB Kevin Fant completed a 21-yard pass, followed three minutes later by a 25-yard TD run from the Bulldogs, giving them a 21–17 lead.<ref name="msu" /> Cobbs would run in for the go-ahead score, but Mississippi State drove to the Arkansas 48 before Fant was intercepted, sealing the Razorback win.<ref name="ark10" />

===LSU===
{{See also|Arkansas–LSU football rivalry}}
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=#24 Razorbacks
|R1=10
|R2=9
|R3=6
|R4=13
|Home='''Tigers'''
|H1=7
|H2=13
|H3=7
|H4=14
}}

LSU held off an Arkansas rally to end the Hogs six game win streak.<ref name="ark11">"LSU Defeats Arkansas in Baton Rouge." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183160 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223156/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183160 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. November 22, 2001. Retrieved on August 31, 2008.</ref> LSU Running back [[LaBrandon Toefield]] ran for 173 yards and three touchdowns, with quarterback [[Rohan Davey]] throwing for 359 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions.<ref name="lsu">"Arkansas vs. LSU." [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores101/101327/101327360.htm Game Story and Box Score.] USA Today. Nov 23, 2001. Retrieved on August 31, 2008.</ref>

LSU started things off in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]] with a 62-yard LaBrandon Toefield touchdown run.<ref name="ark11" /> Arkansas responded with a Matt Jones three-yard touchdown scamper and two field goals.<ref name="lsu" /> Toefield struck again, this time from nine yards out.<ref name="ark11" /> Matt Jones hooked up with Richard Smith for a Razorback touchdown, giving a 19–14 Hog lead.<ref name="lsu" /> Tiger Rohan Davey completed a 20-yard pass to close out the first half scoring, giving the Tigers a 20–19 lead at half.<ref name="ark11" /> Davey hit [[Michael Clayton (American football)|Michael Clayton]] for a 60-yard touchdown, but the Hogs responded with a 61-yard Matt Jones TD pass to Sparky Hamilton.<ref name="lsu" /> Davey and Toefield would add another score each.<ref name="lsu" /> Arkansas, down 41–25, began to rally. Hog QB Zak Clark threw two touchdown passes, but the Hogs fell three points short, 41–38.<ref name="ark11" /><ref name="lsu" />

===Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl Classic)===
{{See also|2001 Cotton Bowl Classic}}
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Razorbacks
|R1=0
|R2=0
|R3=0
|R4=3
|Home='''#10 Sooners'''
|H1=7
|H2=0
|H3=3
|H4=0
}}

The Razorbacks earned a berth in the [[Cotton Bowl Classic]] after a 7–4 regular season. They were slated to play the #10 [[Oklahoma Sooners football under Bob Stoops#2001|Oklahoma Sooners]], who had recently lost their National Championship hopes after a loss to [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football|Oklahoma State]] in [[Bedlam Series|Bedlam]].<ref name="ou">Franklin, Matt. "Sooner defense sytmies Arkansas." [https://web.archive.org/web/20110622073536/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/college/news/ST/2002/01/02/201UWIRE1-R/ Story.] [[The Oklahoma Daily]]. Jan 2, 2002. Retrieved on August 31, 2008.</ref> Arkansas QBs were sacked nine times by Oklahoma, setting a school record and tying a Cotton Bowl Classic record.<ref name="hogs12">"OU Downs Hogs 10–3 in Cotton Bowl Defensive Battle." [http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183175 Story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223241/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30723&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=183175 |date=July 18, 2011 }} arkansasrazorbacks.com. Retrieved on August 31, 2008.</ref> Arkansas could manage only 50 yards of total offense, and one Brennan O'Donohoe field goal.<ref name="ou" /> Oklahoma QB [[Nate Hybl]] ran in from one yard out for the only touchdown of the game.<ref name="hogs12" /> Sooner [[Rocky Calmus]], the [[Dick Butkus Award|Butkus Award]] winner and [[Bronko Nagurski Trophy|Nagurski]], [[Chuck Bednarik Award|Bednarik]], and [[Lombardi Award|Lombardi]] finalist had nine tackles and a fumble recovery in the effort.<ref>"Oklahoma 10, Arkansas 3." [https://web.archive.org/web/20020105045836/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/college/recaps/2002/01/01/aan_ooc/ Story.] Jan 1, 2002. [[Sports Illustrated]]. Retrieved on August 31, 2008.</ref>
Razorback coach [[Houston Nutt]] said, "[The Oklahoma defense is] the best I've seen in 15 years."<ref name="ou" />

==Coaching staff==
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left"
|-
! colspan="8" style="background-color: #C41E3A; color: #FFFFFF; text-align: center;"|'''2001 Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff'''
|-
|valign="top"|
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |
'''Head coach'''
*Head coach – [[Houston Nutt]]

'''Offensive coaches'''
*Quarterbacks – [[David Lee (American football coach)|David Lee]]
*Running backs – [[Danny Nutt]]
*Receivers – [[George Pugh (American football)|George Pugh]]
*Tight ends – [[James Shibest]]
*Offensive line – [[Mike Markuson]]

'''Defensive coaches'''
*Defensive coordinator – John Thompson
*Middle and strong side linebackers – John Thompson
*Outside linebackers/strong safeties – Chris Vaughn
*Defensive line – Bobby Allen
*Secondary – [[Dave Wommack]]

'''Administrative staff'''
*Athletic director (AD) – [[Frank Broyles]]
*Director of football operations – Louis Campbell
*Strength and conditioning – Don Decker
*Recruiting coordinator – [[George Pugh (American football)|George Pugh]]
*Graduate assistant – Steve Janski
|}

''Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20110718223402/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/pdf4/80891.pdf?ATCLID=530316&SPSID=30726&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100 2001 Arkansas Razorbacks Media Guide-Coaching Staff]''

==Roster==
{| class="toccolours" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%;"
|-
|valign="top"|
'''Flankers'''
*&nbsp;5  Gerald Howard – ''Junior''
*&nbsp;8  [[Richard Smith (wide receiver)|Richard Smith]] – ''Sophomore''
*37  Steadman Campbell – ''Junior''
*--  Zack Blake – ''Sophomore''
*--  Caleb Ceaser – ''Freshman''
*--  Marvin Jackson – ''Junior''
*--  Warren Lloyd – ''Freshman''

'''Centers'''
*57  Kenny Sandlin – ''Senior''
*58  Josh Melton – ''Junior''
*65  Dan Doughty – ''Sophomore''
*72  Caleb Perry – ''Sophomore''
*--  Jarod Morrison – ''Sophomore''

'''Guards'''
*60  Scott Davenport – ''Sophomore''
*66  La'Zerius White – ''Senior''
*71  Mark Bokermann – ''Sophomore''
*74  Jim Peters – ''Sophomore''
*77  Jason Reynolds – ''Sophomore''

'''Offensive tackles'''
*50  Jerry Reith – ''Sophomore''
*61  Shannon Money – ''Senior''
*75  Bo Lacy – ''Sophomore''
*--  [[Shawn Andrews (American football)|Shawn Andrews]] – ''Freshman''
*--  Jared Hicks – ''Freshman''
*--  Daniel Holtz – ''Freshman''
*--  Kyle Roper – ''Freshman''

'''Tight ends'''
*82  Nathan Ball – ''Junior''
*87  J. Strain – ''Freshman''
*89  James Toussaint – ''Freshman''
*95  Marcellus Poydras – ''Junior''
*--  Joey Moseley – ''Freshman''
*--  Darren Rogers – ''Freshman''

'''Fullbacks'''
*46  [[Sacha Lancaster]] – ''Senior''
*--  Laurence Coker – ''Sophomore''
*--  Mark Luther – ''Sophomore''
*--  Laurence Coker – ''Sophomore''
*--  Bret Mitchell  – ''Freshman''
*--  Mark Pierce – ''Freshman''
*--  Michael Reuber – ''Freshman''

'''Running backs'''
*&nbsp;4  [[Cedric Cobbs]] – ''Sophomore''
*&nbsp;7  Brandon Holmes – ''Sophomore''
*23  Radale Pearson – ''Sophomore''
*20  [[Fred Talley]] – ''Junior''
*--  Kyle Dickerson  – ''Freshman''
*--  De'Arrius Howard – ''Freshman''
*--  Kweku Hayfron – ''Junior''
|width="25"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|

'''Quarterbacks'''
*&nbsp;9  [[Matt Jones (wide receiver)|Matt Jones]] – ''Freshman''
*11  Robby Hampton – ''Junior''
*17  Zak Clark – ''Sophomore''
*--  [[Tarvaris Jackson]] – ''Freshman''
*--  Dowell Loggains – ''Sophomore''
*--  Ryan Sorahan – ''Sophomore''

'''Split ends'''
*28  Sparky Hamilton – ''Junior''
*--  Bam Bryant – ''Junior''

'''Defensive ends'''
*55  [[Carlos Hall]] – ''Senior''
*56  Raymond House – ''Junior''
*90  Justin Scott – ''Sophomore''
*97  Keith Turner – ''Sophomore''
*98  Elliott Harris  – ''Freshman''

'''Defensive tackles'''
*41  Scott Summers – ''Junior''
*91  Pervis Osborne – ''Junior''
*92  Arrion Dixon – ''Freshman''
*99  [[Jason Peters]] – ''Freshman''
*--  James Johnson – ''Freshman''
*--  Austin Mendenhall – ''Freshman''

'''Nose guards'''
*93  Jayson Johnson – ''Sophomore''
*94  Curt Davis – ''Senior''
*96  Pat Winn – ''Freshman''
*--  Derrick Anderson – ''Sophomore''

'''Inside Linebackers'''
*34  Shane Collins – ''Freshman''
*40  Jermaine Petty – ''Senior''
*--  Corey D. Harris – ''Sophomore''
*--  Clarke Moore – ''Freshman''
*--  Wesley O'Neal – ''Junior''

'''Outside Linebackers'''
*14  Jimmy Beasley – ''Sophomore''
*22  [[Tony Bua]] – ''Sophomore''
*36  Josh Foliart – ''Senior''
*42  Gavin Walls – ''Junior''
*43  [[Caleb Miller]] – ''Sophomore''
*--  Pierre Brown  – ''Freshman''
*--  Chris Clinton – ''Junior''
*--  Nathan Henry – ''Senior''
*--  Marcus Hill – ''Freshman''
*--  [[Jeb Huckeba]] – ''Freshman''
*--  Michael Malone – ''Junior''
*--  Marlon Moore – ''Sophomore''
*--  Michael Robinson – ''Freshman''
|width="25"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|

'''Cornerbacks'''
*&nbsp;1  Lawrence Richardson – ''Sophomore''
*&nbsp;2  Harold Harris – ''Junior''
*25  Bo Mosley – ''Sophomore''
*29  Kevin Baker – ''Sophomore''
*30  [[Eddie Jackson (American football, born 1980)|Eddie Jackson]] – ''Sophomore''
*--  [[Decori Birmingham]] – ''Freshman''
*--  [[Ahmad Carroll]] – ''Freshman''
*--  Kyle Chastain – ''Freshman''
*--  Obi Emeasoba – ''Sophomore''
*--  Amaud Mitchell – ''Junior''

'''Free Safeties'''
*&nbsp;6  [[Ken Hamlin]] – ''Sophomore''
*16  Shelton Parker – ''Sophomore''
*26  Tatum Owenby – ''Senior''
*--  Adam Almond – ''Sophomore''

'''Strong Safeties'''
*24  Corey G. Harris – ''Senior''
*31  D'Andre Berry – ''Senior''
*--  Judson Holloway – ''Junior''
*--  Lerinezo Robinson  – ''Freshman''

'''Punters'''
*35  Richie Butler – ''Junior''
*--  Josh Dennis – ''Freshman''

'''Kickers'''
*27  Thomas LaToof  – ''Junior''
*41  Brennan O'Donohoe – ''Sophomore''
*--  Josh Ault – ''Freshman''
*--  Chris Balseiro – ''Freshman''
*--  Jason Campbell – ''Senior''
*--  David Carlton – ''Freshman''
*--  Ryan Gullett – ''Sophomore''
*--  Ross Novak – ''Freshman''
*--  Matthew Perry – ''Freshman''
*--  Jason Pledger – ''Junior''

'''Long snappers'''
*51  Chuck Nalley – ''Junior''
*59  Mark Stavely – ''Junior''
*--  Garrett Lewis – ''Freshman''
|- 
| colspan="5" valign="bottom" align="right" | ''Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20111004163519/http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/SportSelect.dbml?ATCLID=530316&SPSID=30724&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&SORT_ORDER=6&Q_SEASON=2001&PRINTABLE_PAGE= 2001 Roster]''
|}

==Awards and honors==

===All SEC Teams===
* Jermaine Petty (LB, Sr.)1st Team All-SEC Defense (AP)
* [[Shawn Andrews (American football)|Shawn Andrews]] (OT, Fr.) 2nd Team All-SEC Offense (AP)
* Kenny Sandlin (C, Sr.) 2nd Team All-SEC Offense (AP)
* [[Fred Talley]] (RB, Jr.) 2nd Team All-SEC Offense (Coaches')
* [[Ken Hamlin]] (FS, So.) 1st Team All-SEC Defense (AP)
* [[Carlos Hall]] (DE, Sr.) 2nd Team All-SEC Defense (AP)
* [[Tony Bua]] (OLB, So.) 2nd Team All-SEC Defense (AP)

===All-Americans===

====Defense====
* Jermaine Petty (LB, Sr.) AAFC, AFCA 1st

''Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20110517160349/http://www.hogwired.com/pdf3/80885.pdf?ATCLID=1147378&SPSID=30726&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100 Arkansas Football History, Honors, and Lettermen]''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Arkansas Razorbacks football navbox}}

[[Category:2001 Southeastern Conference football season|Arkansas]]
[[Category:Arkansas Razorbacks football seasons]]
[[Category:2001 in sports in Arkansas|Arkansas Razorbacks football]]